GALLSTONES

Description:

These are accumulations of calcium or cholesterol in the duct running from the liver to the gall bladder, which stores bile used for digesting fats. If this duct is blocked, fats cannot be properly absorbed and jaundice occurs. It is not excesses of calcium or cholesterol in the diet that are to blame, but rather how these substances are dealt with in the body. Often, gallstone victims have inherited very narrow bile ducts, increasing their risk of this condition. Lecithin helps to emulsify cholesterol, and optimum nutrition in general should help prevent such abnormalities occurring. Digestive enzyme supplements contain lipase to help digest fat.

Diet advice

Follow the diet recommended in this book, avoiding saturated fat and keeping your essential fat intake regular, perhaps with seeds for breakfast and a dessertspoon of cold-pressed oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 at lunch and dinner. Avoid meals containing large amounts of fat.

Supplements

• 2 x Multivitamin and multimineral

• 2 x Antioxidant complex

• 2 x Vitamin C 1,000mg

• 1 dessertspoon lecithin granules or a lecithin capsule, with each meal

GLYCONUTRIENTS

Description:

Glyconutrients are kinds of sugars,either attached to protein, in which case they’re called glycoproteins, orattached to fat, in which case they are called glycolipids. Glucosamine, forexample, is a kind of glycoprotein, not only essential for joint health, butalso for controlling inflammation. All cells are coated with them and thepattern of glyconutrients controls the passing of information, as well asnutrients, between cells.

Conventional wisdom talks about the bodyrunning on one fuel, a type of sugar called glucose much like a car runs ofpetrol. The purpose of eating all carbohydrates, it is said, is to digest themdown to release glucose. While your glucose intake and level is critical itsnot the only sugar the body uses. There are seven others. These are:

Galactose. Milk sugar, lactose, breaksdown into glucose plus galactose. Galactose is also found in figs, grapes,peas, tomatoes, hazelnuts, beans and fruit that has a high pectin content suchas apples. Galactose is one of the key components that determines your bloodtype for example. Another vital glyconutrient is N-acetylgalactosamine, whichcan be made from galactose and appears to have anti-cancer properties.

Fucose. This is in breast milk, and also in mushrooms, especially some of theso-called power mushrooms such as shiitake, as well as seaweed suck as kelp andwakame. It has been shown to affect brain development, respiratory tractinfections and allergic reactions. Once again, it’s a critical component of theantigens that determine your blood type.

Mannose. This is one of essential sugarsneeded for healing. It also helps control tumour growth, and fights invaderssuch as bacteria and parasites and, generally, acts as an anti-inflammatorynutrient. The main active ingredient in aloe vera is acemannan, a type ofmannose. Glucomannan, a type of fibre found in the konjac plant, and afavourite of the Japanese diet, is another example of dietary sources ofmannose.

Xylose. This is found, for example, inplums and is the father of xylitol, a sugar I often extol for its negligenteffect on blood sugar levels, making it a perfect replacement for sugar forthose weaning themselves off sugar. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungalproperties which is why xylitol is associated with reducing dental caries.

N-acetylglucosamine. This one is againinvolved in immunity, especially in the gut, helping to repair the intestinalmucosa and supporting the growth of benefical bacteria. It is perhaps bestknown as the precursor for glucosamine. It is found in the shells of crustaceansuch as prawns and shrimps.

Glucosamine. Vital for joints,glucosamine is found in high concentrations in the joints of all mammals, whereit stimulates the formation of collagen and helps rebuild cartilage, tendons.Other variations of this molecule, such as glycosaminoglycans, rich in greenlipped mussels, have well reported anti-inflammatory effects, helping to healarthritic symptoms.

N-acetylineuraminic acid. This is alsofound in breast milk and is especially important in brain development andlearning. It also lower cholesterol and is important for blood clotting.

These seven, together, with glucose,appear to be the key glyconutrients we need. While the body can make these fromother sugars and amino acids it is now clear that it prefers to obtain a directdietary source.

Another glyconutrient that’s beenhitting the headline is beta-glucans, especially rich in oats. Many studieshave shown beta-glucans to help lower cholesterol, hence my continued emphasison oats as opposed to wheat. Although not considered part of the eight key‘intelligent sugars’ a specific form of beta glucans called beta 1-3, 1-6glucan is clearly a potent immune system stimulator. It is derived from yeastand specifically activates macrophages turning on your immune system.

GOUT

Description:

This is caused by improper metabolism of proteins, resulting in uric acid crystals being deposited in fingers, toes and joints and causing inflammation. Diets low in fat and moderate in protein help this condition, as does exercise. However, the many nutrients involved in protein metabolism, especially B6 and zinc, are also an essential part of a nutritional programme for preventing gout.

Diet advice

Follow the diet in this book, avoiding red meat and alcohol. Be sure to drink at least 1 pint (600ml) of water a day.